These meetings share good practice and
test new ideas. Sometimes we focus on particular issues like social
media, newsletters or basic communication skills; branches are also invited to
share learning from specific projects.
At this meeting activists took stock of UNISON communications. We discussed good practice,
new ideas, what can we do better and further support for activists?
Video conferencing, social media and
recent training by Union Solidarity International were
examples of improvements. Other good practice included
the 1,000 Influencers campaign; Lanarkshire PFI campaign; the new Aberdeen University
UNISON website; UNISON NHS Glasgow Clyde & VCS research with Glasgow University which
publicised low pay in the NHS; and the New Lanark family fun day with a serious
message.
Activists were also impressed with
joint work of UNISON Stirling and Clackmannanshire Branches who are fighting a
shared services agenda together.
What can we do
better? Survey monkey is a great way to engage with UNISON members and can be
used to boost recruitment. Social media is not a substitute for good old
fashioned face to face communication but it is important method of campaigning.
Perhaps we can look into facebook advertising which can be specific and as
little as £20 per week to contact thousands of potential members. But it was
not all new tech. We also talked about notice boards, which are vital recruitment tool and encourage members
to get active.
What support do activists need? Locally
based training on specific issues like social media; and the development of templates that can be
easily personalised. Are just 2 examples.
Do you have other ideas? Have we missed something? If the answer is yes. Why not get along to the next communications activist
meeting?
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